Keeping It Safe Robert Tutterow
One of Yogi Berra’s famous sayings was, “The future isn’t what it used to be.” As the fire service goes kickin’ and screamin’ forward, there are many changes lying ahead, and we probably have some clues as to what they will be, though we do not know for sure.
One of the more discussed changes that has now cracked the eggshell open is electric fire apparatus. However, not much has been discussed about the changes in fire stations to accommodate the switch from diesel to electric.
This may not be on your radar, but if your stations are less than 35 to 40 years old, then you will likely have electric fire apparatus in your stations. Most certainly, if you are building a new station, you might as well plan on electric fire trucks. From a firefighter health perspective, electric fire apparatus in the station is an incredibly significant advancement. The elimination of fossil fuels is much healthier than trying to capture and remove the carcinogens they produce. There is no need for diesel exhaust removal systems.
A few months ago, the mayor of Charlotte (NC) stated she wanted the fire department (from which I am retired) to purchase an electric fire truck and put it in an all-electric station. No fossil fueled engines were to be on the property except for the firefighters’ personal vehicles—and I am sure there will be incentives to minimize their parking on the property. Moreover, she stated that the funding for the truck and for the station would not come from the fire department budget but from other sources. Whoa. This declaration is a prime example of the commitment to green energy by many of those in governing positions.
Several questions immediately came to mind as this relates to the station. What is the backup power plan in case the grid fails? Currently, all stations in the department have backup generators to power the entire station. What happens when the electric apparatus is in for repair/maintenance and all the reserve apparatus are nonelectric? What happens when the electric apparatus is at the training academy all day or deployed on an extended incident requiring a company move up from another station to maintain coverage in the area? These are among the questions to be answered.
From a firefighter safety perspective, there are station design considerations. The fire wall ratings probably need to be increased as electric fire trucks burn much hotter than diesel-powered fire trucks. The station sprinkler system will need to provide more capacity. The bottom line—basic life safety codes for the station will be more robust than current standards.
Based on current knowledge, it is wise to include additional conduit sleeves for electrical lines and a dedicated electrical room large enough to house the equipment needed for an all-electric station. Of course, there is a need to include in the feasibility studies for a new station or station renovation the current capacity of the electrical grid. Is it large enough to power the station? Most rural areas currently do not have the capacity.
It is important to include the outside stakeholders in your electric station/electric fire truck procurement process. They must have a full understanding of the often-overlooked needs. The procurement process must include a vision of emerging electrical needs, such as a landing zone for larger drones, possible use of UVC light for decontamination, sensory devices throughout the station (motion, smoke, HV